TN · State boating guide
Tennessee
boating laws
Last verified
At a glance
- Boater card
- Required for specified operators
- anyone born after January 1, 1989 who operates a motorized vessel over 8.5 horsepower (sail-only boats and boats of 8.5 hp or less are exempt)
- Operating age
- Under 12 may operate a boat over 8.5 hp only with a person 18 or older on board who can take control; that person must hold a certificate if born after January 1, 1989. Anyone under 16 may not rent a PWC.
- Life-jacket age rule
- Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while on the open deck of a boat that is not anchored, moored or aground.
- BUI / BAC limit
- 0.08 BAC
- Registration fee
- $9.00–$203.00
- Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
- Registration term
- 1 year / 2 years / 3 years
The short answer
Do I need a boating license in Tennessee?
TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate (wallet card) is required for anyone born after January 1, 1989 who operates a motorized vessel over 8.5 horsepower (sail-only boats and boats of 8.5 hp or less are exempt).
Confirm with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) ↗Tennessee requires anyone born after January 1, 1989 who operates a motorboat over 8.5 horsepower to carry a Boating Safety Education Certificate. Operators under 12 may run a boat over 8.5 hp only with a qualified adult 18 or older on board. All mechanically powered vessels, including boats with electric trolling motors, and all sailboats principally used in Tennessee must be registered with TWRA. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket on open decks while underway, and the intoxication limit is 0.08 BAC.
Before you operate
Boater education & operating age
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education required | Yes — see who needs a card below |
| Who needs a card | anyone born after January 1, 1989 who operates a motorized vessel over 8.5 horsepower (sail-only boats and boats of 8.5 hp or less are exempt) |
| Card or certificate | TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate (wallet card) |
| Minimum operating age | Under 12 may operate a boat over 8.5 hp only with a person 18 or older on board who can take control; that person must hold a certificate if born after January 1, 1989. Anyone under 16 may not rent a PWC. |
| Out-of-state cards | Tennessee residents must hold the TWRA-issued certificate. Out-of-state boaters born after January 1, 1989 may use any NASBLA-approved boating safety certificate. |
Your boat’s paperwork
Boat registration & fees
All mechanically powered vessels (including electric trolling motors and federally documented recreational vessels) and all sailboats principally used in Tennessee. Boats powered only by oars or paddles are exempt. Boats are not titled in Tennessee. Boats currently registered in another state may use Tennessee waters until Tennessee becomes their state of principal use. A yellow temporary registration is valid for 60 days. Registration can be bought for 1, 2 or 3 years and renewed online through GoOutdoorsTennessee.
- 16 feet and under$18.00
- 16 feet and under$34.00
- 16 feet and under$50.00
- Over 16 feet to less than 26 feet$35.00
- Over 16 feet to less than 26 feet$68.00
- Over 16 feet to less than 26 feet$101.00
- 26 feet to less than 40 feet$54.00
- 26 feet to less than 40 feet$102.00
- 26 feet to less than 40 feet$153.00
- 40 feet and over$72.00
- 40 feet and over$138.00
- 40 feet and over$203.00
- Duplicate certificate of number$9.00
Registration fee data and sources
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules
- Everyone on board a PWC must wear a USCG-approved life jacket; inflatable life jackets are not approved for PWC use.
- If the PWC has an engine cut-off lanyard, it must be attached to the operator.
- PWC may be operated only from sunrise to sunset.
- No jumping the wake of another vessel within 100 feet, weaving through traffic, or swerving at the last moment to avoid a collision.
- Anyone under 16 may not rent a PWC.
Towing & watersports
- Towing people on skis, tubes or similar is not allowed from sunset to sunrise or in inclement weather.
- The towing vessel needs an observer 12 or older, or wide-angle rearview mirrors of at least 170 degrees (one on a boat, two on a PWC).
- Everyone being towed must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
Life jacket rules
- Carry a USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board.
- Boats 16 feet or longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable device.
- Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while on the open deck of a boat that is not anchored, moored or aground.
- Everyone on a PWC must wear a life jacket, and life jackets must be worn in marked areas below dams.
- Inflatable life jackets are not approved for anyone under 16, for PWC use, or for whitewater.
Boating under the influence
Published limit: 0.08 BAC. Read the linked official guidance for the full rule and any age-specific provisions.
At a glance
- Boater education applies to anyone born after January 1, 1989 running a boat over 8.5 hp.
- Residents need the TWRA card; visitors can use any NASBLA-approved card.
- Boats with electric trolling motors must be registered; Tennessee does not title boats.
- PWC are daylight-only, sunrise to sunset.
- Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket on open decks while underway.
Plan your day
Before you launch
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Sources and last checked
Sources
Official guidance is the final reference. Rules and fees may change after this guide’s verification date.
- Boating in Tennessee ↗Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- Rule 1660-02-01-.03, Fees for Vessel Registration and Certificate of Number ↗Tennessee Secretary of State / TWRA
- Tennessee Boating Handbook ↗Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities (2025) ↗Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- Boater Education ↗Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
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